Maura Higgins sells $200k on Vinted while rehearsing for DWS

Maura Higgins, 35, has taken her *Love Island* swagger and translated it into a savvy side‑business on Vinted, listing more than sixty designer and high‑street pieces as she juggles rehearsals for *Dancing With the Stars*.

The former reality‑TV star is offering items that range from a modest £16 to a staggering £1,800, including a hot‑pink Oh Polly minidress and a brand‑new satin Zara minidress priced at just £22.

The move comes as Higgins navigates a rigorous rehearsal schedule and confronts the emotional toll of the show’s demanding choreography. She posted Instagram updates with her dance partner Mark Ballas after advancing to the next round, all while battling a Cha Cha Cha routine that has drained her mentally and physically.

Beyond a simple side hustle, Higgins’ Vinted listings reveal how reality‑TV personalities are diversifying income streams in an era where online marketplaces offer a steady cash flow for fans eager to snag star‑styled apparel.

## What Happened

In a blitz of fashion, Maura posted over sixty items on Vinted. The most expensive piece—a sleek Fendi clutch—commands the high end, while the cheapest item is a second‑hand hot‑pink Oh Polly minidress that she originally purchased for £16.

Other notable listings include a £20 PrettyLittleThing khaki blazer and a new satin Zara minidress listed for £22. By offering both high‑end and budget options, she taps into a broad spectrum of consumers: from those who want to own a piece of her wardrobe to casual shoppers looking for a bargain.

On Instagram, Higgins and Mark Ballas shared a rehearsal snapshot, captioned “I tink I can’t” (sic). In her stories, she added, “This dance has killed me.” These posts followed her successful navigation of the first episode’s leaderboard, where she topped the rankings.

The rawness of her captions mirrored the physical strain she was experiencing during rehearsals for Cha Cha Cha.

During a particularly grueling practice session, Higgins broke down in tears.

She later described the moment as “a lump in my throat… hormonal, tired, mentally and physically exhausted.” The emotional episode highlighted the rigorous demands of competitive dance, especially when combined with the spotlight and expectations of a television audience.

## Background & Context

Maura first captured public attention on *Love Island* in 2018, where her confidence and fashion sense earned her a devoted following. The show’s format—couples living together in isolation while competing for a cash prize—has become a launchpad for many reality personalities.

Following *Love Island*, Maura expanded her brand through partnerships, social‑media campaigns, and even a personal fashion line.

Her transition to *Dancing With the Stars* was a natural progression. The dance competition showcases celebrities from various backgrounds performing choreographed routines in front of a panel of judges and the public.

Maura’s debut performance set to “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire earned her a respectable 19 out of 30, securing her place in the next round.

The show itself thrives on narrative arcs—emotional moments, rivalries, and personal growth. Contestants such as chef Giada De Laurentiis have previously exited early after a salsa routine to “CHULA,” while others like Julia Stiles and Tatyana Ali continue to vie for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

Amid this competition, Maura’s Vinted venture demonstrates how reality stars can monetize their personal assets while still engaging with fans on a different platform.

The fashion marketplace Vinted has seen exponential growth in recent years. Launched in 2008, it now operates across Europe and parts of the United States, boasting over 12 million active users. The platform offers a straightforward auction‑style model where sellers can list items for free, and buyers can negotiate prices.

For celebrities like Maura, Vinted provides an immediate way to convert wardrobe items into revenue without the overhead of a boutique.

Fan reaction has been enthusiastic. Social media exploded with memes featuring Maura’s signature “fancy” style, while other users praised her transparency in listing items that fans might otherwise never see.

Many followers expressed excitement at the opportunity to purchase a piece from her collection, and several commenters shared personal stories of how they’d “loved seeing Maura’s outfits on Instagram” and wanted a tangible connection to her journey.

Industry analysts note that celebrities using marketplaces like Vinted or Depop is part of a broader shift. Traditional brand endorsements are no longer the sole avenue for monetization; instead, personal branding now extends into e‑commerce, where fans can buy, sell, and trade items directly linked to public figures.

This trend is reshaping the fashion industry by blurring the lines between influencer marketing and direct consumer sales.

## What Happens Next

Maura has not announced any additional Vinted listings beyond what she currently has up. Her upcoming performance will dictate whether she advances or faces elimination—a risk amplified by her recent emotional breakdown during rehearsal.

In the meantime, other contestants such as Julia Stiles and Tatyana Ali continue to compete for the title.

The *Dancing With the Stars* schedule remains on track, with future episodes showcasing new dance styles and a judging panel that includes Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba. The outcome of these performances will shape Maura’s trajectory on the show and potentially influence how she manages her Vinted presence.

Beyond the competition, Maura’s decision to monetize her wardrobe through Vinted reflects a pragmatic approach to balancing the demands of televised dance with financial sustainability. It also signals a broader industry movement: celebrities leveraging their personal assets across multiple platforms to create diversified income streams.

For fans, the dual excitement of watching Maura attempt complex choreography and browsing her fashion listings offers a unique blend of entertainment and commerce. The blend of dance, personality, and e‑commerce underscores how modern celebrity culture is increasingly intertwined with digital marketplaces.

As the season progresses, both her dance performance and her marketplace activity will remain under close watch—proof that a star’s influence can extend far beyond the studio floor.